This course has been devised in response to industry and student-led demand for practical training in makeup and hairdressing techniques for theatre, film, TV, fashion, festival, carnival and entertainment arenas.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Institution Code: C57
UCAS Course code: W231
BA (Hons) Textiles for Art, Fashion & Interiors
Unlock your creative potential with our interdisciplinary Textiles degree, designed to nurture the independent designers of the future. This hands-on course combines conceptual enquiry, technical skill development, and industry engagement, allowing you to explore textiles for art, fashion, and interiors while developing a distinctive creative identity.
In your first year, you will build a strong foundation in textile design, exploring printed and dyed textiles, stitch and fabric manipulation, traditional and digital printmaking, and creative IT. You will be encouraged to experiment with materials and techniques while engaging with contemporary issues such as sustainability, ethics, and industry trends.
As the course progresses, you will develop design solutions for a range of markets, including fashion, interiors, art and craft, stationery, and giftware. Level 5 introduces live briefs, industry competitions, and work placements, providing real-world experience and professional insight. At Level 6, you will undertake a Final Major Project, refining your specialist practice and creating a professional portfolio to launch your career.
You will have access to excellent facilities, including traditional and digital print studios, sewing workshops, pattern cutting tables, 3D craft spaces, laser cutting, and photography studios. Personal studio space, flexible working areas, and technical support allow you to develop your practice independently and collaboratively.
Key features of the course include:
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Opportunities to tailor your degree for art, fashion, or interiors.
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Work on live industry briefs, competitions, and placements to gain professional experience.
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Development of creative, technical, and problem-solving skills with expert support.
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Collaboration with peers across creative disciplines to mirror professional practice.
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Flexible study options, available full-time over three years or part-time over five years.
Modules Overview
Year One (Level 4):
- Textile Techniques & Processes (20 Credits)
- Research and Design for Textiles (20 Credits)
- Cultural & Contextual Studies (20 Credits)
- 2D & 3D Textiles (20 Credits)
- Industry Design Practice (20 Credits)
- Ethical & Sustainable Textile Design (20 Credits)
Year Two (Level 5):
- Industry Link and Competition Project (40 Credits)
- Advanced Cultural & Contextual Studies (20 Credits)
- USP Self Branding and Work Placement (20 Credits)
- Concept Development (40 Credits)
Year Three (Level 6):
- Final Major Project: Research
- Design & Synthesis (40 Credits)
- Creative & Critical Research Project (20 Credits)
- Exit Portfolio and PDP (20 Credits)
- Final Major Project Realisation (40 Credits)
Collaboration is central to the course, with opportunities to work with students across art, design, and creative disciplines. You will engage with live briefs, external projects, and industry mentors, ensuring you graduate with a professional portfolio, practical experience, and the skills needed to succeed in the textile and wider creative industries.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Ready to stand out and secure your place in our course? Here’s how we evaluate your application:
We look at each application individually, considering your grades, interview performance, portfolio, and any relevant experience. While we typically expect the following qualifications:
- A relevant A-Level qualification, or
- A Level 3 Extended Diploma
We understand that not everyone follows the same path. If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, don’t worry – there are still plenty of ways to show us what you are capable of! Show us your potential through:
- Relevant academic or work experience
- A strong, compelling personal statement
- An exceptional portfolio and interview
What do I bring to the interview?
For this course, you’ll need to bring a small portfolio of your best work, along with a sample of written work that reflects your interest and ability in this field. This is your chance to shine and show us what makes you unique.
Graduates from this course go on to pursue exciting and diverse careers, including:
- Freelance or studio designer (fashion / interiors / accessories)
- Independent designer / maker
- Illustrator
- Trend forecaster
- Buying & merchandising
- Stylist
- Teacher training
- Postgraduate study
Reflecting the dynamic nature of the creative industries, many graduates enjoy flexible careers across various fields such as design commissions, exhibitions, illustration, buying and trend forecasting.
Former students have pursued further study at prestigious institutions like the Royal College of Art and (UAL) University of the Arts London. Others have launched their own businesses, worked as freelance designers for couture and high street brands, contributed to furnishing textile companies, or found rewarding roles in education.
Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to keep learning dynamic, engaging, and hands-on. You’ll experience a mix of:
- Practical and creative studio-based workshops
- Discussions
- Lectures / seminars
- Tutorials
- Small group study
- Self-directed study
- Study trips
- Presentations (of practical work)
- Journals
- Research proposals
- Sketchbooks / drawings
- Written assignments
With this variety, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow and demonstrate your skills in ways that suit your strengths and challenge your creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability.
What are the costs of doing our textile design course?
Tuition Fees:
The tuition for this course is £9,535 per year.
Finance Options:
There are several options available to help manage your tuition fees:
- Student Loan
- Instalment Payment Plan
- Company Sponsorship
For more information, please visit our Finance and Funding – Funding your Course | Northbrook College
Additional Costs for Creative Degree courses:
When planning your studies, it is important to consider potential costs beyond tuition fees. While tuition fees cover teaching, assessments and access to college facilities, such as studios, shared IT resources and workshops, some courses may require additional expenses.
These could include:
- Textbooks: Essential texts are available in the college libraries, but you may wish to purchase personal copies for convenience.
- Computer Equipment: While on-campus computers are available, having a personal laptop or tablet may offer greater flexibility for off-site study.
- Printing and Photocopying: Most coursework is submitted online, but some assignments may require printed submissions, optional binding, or other presentation materials.
- Materials: Creative courses often require specific art materials or equipment. A detailed materials list will be provided upon enrolment.
- Field Trips: Certain courses may include optional study visits or field trips to enrich learning experiences.
- External Shows and Exhibitions: Opportunities to participate in external exhibitions or shows may involve additional preparation, materials or travel expenses.
We are committed to providing transparent information about any additional costs to help you plan effectively for your studies. For more information regarding the financial support that we can offer, please visit our Financial Support Page – Financial Support | Northbrook College
Validated by University of the Arts London (UAL)
This course is validated by University of Arts London (UAL). UAL is a leading education provider in the creative arts, ranked second in the world for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023). They oversee the standards and quality of our curriculum, which enriches your overall learning experience.
